Title
A resolution honoring and congratulating Universal Audenried High School senior guard Shayla Smith on her remarkable achievement as Philadelphia's All-Time Girls' Scoring Leader.
Body
WHEREAS, Shayla Smith, a 17-year-old senior at Universal Audenried High School, demonstrates exceptional talent, dedication, and perseverance in basketball; and
WHEREAS, Smith's basketball journey began with pickup games in parks with her brothers, and despite never playing on an organized team until seventh grade, she quickly distinguished herself as a formidable athlete; and
WHEREAS, On February 17, 2023, as a sophomore, Smith reached 1,000 career points in only 49 games; the fastest girl to achieve this accolade in Public League history. The record was previously held by University City's Shawnetta Stewart, who accomplished this feat in 54 games in the mid-1990s; and
WHEREAS, On February 13, 2025, Smith solidified her place in basketball history by scoring 47 points against Engineering and Science, surpassing the Philadelphia Girls' All-Time Scoring record with a total of 2,502 career points, record previously set by Shawnetta Stewart in 1996; and
WHEREAS, Smith intends to keep pushing and plans to surpass Maureece Rice's record of 2,681 career points and become Philadelphia's All-Time Leading Scorer; and
WHEREAS, Beyond her individual accomplishments, Smith has been an integral leader for Audenried's team, guiding them to three consecutive Public League Championships and earning her the MVP title two years in a row; and
WHEREAS, Smith's commitment to excellence is evident in her relentless work ethic, arriving to school earlier than even the principal so she can train an hour and a half in the gym before beginning her academic day; and
WHEREAS, Smith has committed to continuing her basketball career at Penn State and has ambitions of going to the WNBA; and
WHEREAS, This legislative body is excited to see this young athlete progress in her career and wishes h...
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